Penarium

Release Date: September 22, 2015

Arcade, 2D, for 2 players, indie games, co-op, splitscreen, multiplayer, singleplayer

91%

Steam

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Containing a large dose of brutality and black humor, a retro 2D arcade game, developed by an independent Dutch studio, Self Made Miracle. During gameplay you assume the role of a bizarre antihero named Willy, who is trapped inside the ominous Penarium circus. This is an arena of brutal competition in which contestants amuse a wild crowd by fighting for the title of the Champion of Penarium and, at the same time, their freedom.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Penarium for PC, PS4 and XONE is a retro 2D arcade game filled with black humour and a large dose of violence. Developed by Self Made Miracle studio from Netherlands. The title is published by Team 17 (Worms and Alien Breed series) as a part of their programme supporting independent developers.

Plot

During gameplay you assume the role of a bizarre antihero named Willy, who is trapped inside an ominous Penarium circus. This is an arena for brutish competition, in which contestants risk their lives to amuse a wild crowd by fighting for the Champion of Penarium title, which will their freedom. To go back to his beloved farm, the hero needs to avoid dozens of deadly traps in front of raging, bloodthirsty mob.

Mechanics

Gameplay in Penarium released on PC, PS4 and XONE is shown from the side-view and brings old school platformers to mind. The rules are really simple – you run and jump on circus platforms in order to avoid death traps, such as volleys of cannon bullets, fire traps, laser beams, and wild animals. There are multiple ways to die and the key to success consists in skilful avoiding of dangers, so as not to bring satisfaction to the bloodthirsty crowd.

Game modes

Penarium on PC, PS4 and XONE offers a single player campaign, in which the hero faces 30 different challenges on four unique arenas. Alternatively, you can play the infinite Arcade mode in which you unlock various bonuses and prizes, while climbing up the Internet player ranking. You can also engage in the local split-screen mode and compete with friends in series of challenges, or join forces and get better final score.

Technical aspects

The production of Self Made Miracle is created in a typical, old school style from the ‘90s. Therefore, during gameplay we are presented with pixelled sceneries, characters, and explosions, which evoke nostalgic feelings reminiscent of classic arcade titles released more than two decades ago.

Last updated on July 11, 2016

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